Anarchy, Burning(ONC2022 Entry)

Part 17- State of Emergency

President Robert Johnson taps the mic as he clears his throat.

"The last twenty-four hours have been very, very, sobering," he says, mopping his brow. Red eyed from sleep deprivation and face puffied by dark bags, the old man looks every bit his sixty years. "Reports continue to pour in and our grasp on the situation changes every hour. Violent Anti-Mask protests and unexplained civil unrest has been a problem across the country for the last two weeks, then last night it just seemed the world turned upside down."

He loosens his tie as camera flashes bombard the podium. President Johnson wipes his brow again and he glances off camera. With a nod, he continues.

"Starting in New York City then spreading out to and then beyond the Tri-State area we have reports of unexplained seismic eruptions followed by loss of power and communications. Satellites over the affected regions have only been able to provide momentary imaging before power has failed. The same has happened to surveillance drones and choppers. Our only clear images of the event are from a multitude of social media uploads, half of which appear to be hoaxes utilizing scifi computer graphics and cosplay.

"Whatever is happening, it continues to spread across the US and reports say a similar phenomenon is being experienced in the European Union, South America, and India." The president seems to relax, he leans forward and adjusts the microphone. "This entire thing is unprecedented. We're receiving extraordinary new information by the hour, causing us to constantly rethink strategies and precautions.

I have conferred with the governors of the affected states as well as those bordering them. A State of Emergency is being declared for the entire Eastern Seaboard. I have authorized the mobilization of the National Guard in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

I assure you, we are doing everything we can to restore order in these trying times."

The leader of the free world steps aside and the White House Press Secretary takes his place. The usually young and vibrant woman looks worn out and disheveled. "We will open the floor for a few questions."

"Are these seismic events natural or man-made?"

"We don't have answers at this time. Next question."

"Is the White House concerned about the safety of the president and his cabinet?"

The Press Secretary watches as the president is escorted off stage. "Precautions are being taken to ensure the Continuity of Government. One more question."

"Madam Secretary, what of demon becoming the most trending word on all search engines and social media platforms in the last twelve hours?"

A man leans over and whispers into the Press Secretary's ear. Very few viewers notice the peculiar way the light reflects off of his eyes.

"No more questions."

"But, Madam-"

"No more questions!"

The White House press room shakes violently, then Washington DC goes dark.

...